September 24, 2021
Celebrating --- Hispanic Heritage

This year’s theme is Esperanza: A celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope


Hispanic Heritage Month takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” under President Lyndon Johnson, but it was later extended to a month during President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1988.

Since then, the month has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15th, Mexico on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th. They also include holidays that recognize Hispanic contributions such as Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day that is celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
On September 14, 2021, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month (Spanish):

“During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize that Hispanic heritage is American heritage. We see it in every aspect of our national life: on our television and movie screens, in the music that moves our feet and all the food we enjoy. We benefit from the many contributions of Hispanic scientists working in labs across the country to help us fight COVID-19 and the doctors and the nurses on the front lines caring for people’s health. Our Nation is represented by Hispanic diplomats who share our values in countries all over the world and strengthened by military members and their families who serve and sacrifice for the United States. Our communities are represented by Hispanic elected officials, and our children are taught by Hispanic teachers. Our future will be shaped by Hispanic engineers who are working to develop new technology that will help us grasp our clean energy future and by the skilled union workers who are going to build it.”

Latino educators, scientists, artists, and other professionals help make our communities more resilient & equitable. In a video to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Secretary Cardona emphasizes that Latino voices, dreams & successes matter now more than ever.
Hispanic Americans are the largest minority group in the United States today and have consistently helped make our country strong and prosperous (US Department of State). The population represents an array of distinct and vibrant cultures, each of which enriches communities in valuable ways. Sharing the dream of equality and boundless opportunities, many Hispanics have marched for social Justice and helped advance America’s journey toward a perfect union.

DEIatCTI #hispanicheritagemonth #hispanicheritage #hispanicheritagefestival #Hispanic #proudtobehispanic

Events:

Please watch:

Hispanic Heritage Month: Let's Celebrate as One Single Catholic Family with No Bounds  video length: 1min

If you would like to join the Community Teamwork’s
Diversity & Inclusion Committee,
please email diversity@commteam.org